Capricornus (the Goat) lies northeast of Sagittarius, and is known by two bright stars, three degrees apart, which form the head.
Aquarius (the Water-Bearer) is recognised by two stars in a line with Alpha Capricorni, forming the shoulders of the figure. These two stars are ten degrees apart; and three degrees southeast is a third star, which, together with the other two, make an acute triangle, of which the westernmost is the vertex.
Pisces (the Fishes) lie between Aquarius and Aries. They are not distinguished by any large stars, but are connected by a series of small stars, that form a crooked line between them. Piscis Australia, the Southern Fish, lies directly below Aquarius, and is known by a single bright star far in the south, having a declination of thirty degrees. The name of this star is Fomalhaut, and it is much used in astronomical measurements.
The constellations of the zodiac, being first well learned, so as to be readily recognised, will facilitate the learning of others that lie north and south of them. Let us, therefore, next review the principal Northern Constellations, beginning north of Aries, and proceeding from west to east.
Andromeda is characterized by three stars of the second magnitude, situated in a straight line, extending from west to east. The middle star is about seventeen degrees north of Beta Arietis. It is in the girdle of Andromeda, and is named Mirach. The other two lie at about equal distances, fourteen degrees west and east of Mirach. The western star, in the head of Andromeda, lies in the equinoctial colure. The eastern star, Alamak, is situated in the foot.
Perseus lies directly north of the Pleiades, and contains several bright stars. About eighteen degrees from the Pleiades is Algol, a star of the second magnitude, in the head of Medusa, which forms a part of the figure; and nine degrees northeast of Algol is Algenib, of the same magnitude, in the back of Perseus. Between Algenib and the Pleiades are three bright stars, at nearly equal intervals, which compose the right leg of Perseus.
Auriga (the Wagoner) lies directly east of Perseus, and extends nearly parallel to that constellation, from north to south. Capella, a very white and beautiful star of the first magnitude, distinguishes this constellation. The feet of Auriga are near the Bull's horns.
The Lynx comes next, but presents nothing particularly interesting, containing no stars above the fourth magnitude.
Leo Minor consists of a collection of small stars north of the sickle in Leo, and south of the Great Bear. Its largest star is only of the third magnitude.
Coma Berenices is a cluster of small stars, north of Denebola, in the tail of the Lion, and of the head of Virgo. About twelve degrees directly north of Berenice's hair, is a single bright star, called Cor Caroli, or Charles's Heart.